Crews began tearing down Tuesday the old USD 257 operations building, in order to make way for an expanded science building at Iola High School.
The building also housed the district’s superintendent’s office until the central office was ultimately moved to North Washington Avenue. It originally served as an industrial arts building and band room.
The commotion drew the attention of several passersby, some of whom pulled up lawn chairs to watch the demolition unfold.
Among the spectators were Don Bain and Richard Chase, retired school administrators, who grabbed bricks as mementos.
The building was constructed in 1939 as part of a Works Progress Administration project.
And, much like other WPA projects, it was built to last.
Excavator operator Nick Mueller meticulously dissected the building with the precision of a surgeon and the power of a jackhammer.
He had to stop on occasion to replace filters or do other routine maintenance to the excavator to accommodate the work necessary to remove the old building.
Construction on the updated science building will begin soon after demolition is complete. Mueller hopes to have the building completely torn down by the end of today, and the property cleared by the end of the week.
The plan is to have the new building ready for use by the fall of 2021.
“It has served the community well for over 80 years,” Superintendent of Schools Stacey Fager said. “We’re looking forward to the new science building.”
